International Agunah Day

ICAR has declared Ta’anit Esther (the Fast of Esther, 13 in Adar) as International Agunah Day. Although the issue of mesuravotget appears in the media quite frequently, it has yet to be taken seriously and solved, even though like all social problems – it affects society as a whole, not only those who suffer from it directly. Even men suffer from this phenomenon.Refusal to grant a religious divorce is a violation of human rights and the ideals of equality, personal freedom, marriage, and happiness. The suffering caused by these violations is a burden for both the women themselves and the entire social and political structure that permits such violations to occur. Finding a solution to the problem is everyone’s responsibility. The husbands who create agunot and mesuravotget violate not only women’s rights, but those of their children and extended families as well. In many cases, abuse – be it physical, sexual, or economic – begins at an earlier stage in the marriage.ICAR works to place the issue of mesuravotget on the public agenda and advocate change through media coverage, political lobbying, and public information campaigns, in particular on International Agunah Day. Towards its goal, ICAR initiates different activities on this day including:

Declaration of Ta’anitEsther (the Fast of Esther) as the International Agunah Day and promoting legislation to that effect;

Initiating and promoting activities and events, presentations, demonstrations, rallys and exhibitions in the public sphere;

Initiating a special event or meeting in the Knesset;

Mobilizing a media campaign;

Distributing pamphlets containing special prayers at synagogues and during demonstrations;

Promoting a nation-wide study day;

Organizing protests in front of the Knesset and/or the homes or work place of offending husbands.